Adam Lallana accepts this is the season that Liverpool have to take the next step and finally win a trophy under Jurgen Klopp.

The Anfield club have made progress during the German's reign, but they have also lost in three cup finals - the League Cup, Europa League and Champions League.

Those near misses have been exhilarating but Lallana knows the real satisfaction comes from lifting silverware.

Having assembled a squad that, on paper, looks as strong as any in the Premier League, Liverpool are many people's favourites to challenge Manchester City for the title this season.

"It's a really exciting time," said Lallana, who will also be looking to put the injuries that cost him a place in England's World Cup squad behind him.

"I'm delighted to be at a top club like Liverpool that are going to be challenging for trophies again and I'm looking forward to playing for England again.

"For my club, I just want to take the next step now. We have been in a few finals that we haven't been victorious in and that needs to change.

"We have all the ingredients, the signs are really good for us to go the next step."

speculate Lallana, though, would not commit to the view that Liverpool are likely to be City's main challengers over the next nine months.

He explained: "That's not for us to say (if we are favourites) - that's for other people to speculate. But, of course, we are going to be in the pack who want to chase down City."

Meanwhile, Ben Woodburn has joined Sheffield United on loan for the new season.

Woodburn, who became Liverpool's youngest goalscorer when he netted in a League Cup win against Leeds aged 17 in November 2016, has made 11 first-team appearances for the Reds. Now 18, he has also played seven times and scored one goal for Wales.

Across Stanley Park, Marco Silva has made his second Everton signing with the capture of left-back Lucas Digne from Barcelona. The 25-year-old has committed to a five-year deal at Goodison Park and follows Richarlison, who made the move from Silva's former club Watford.

Digne has an impressive CV, having begun his career at Lille before moving on to Paris Saint-Germain, Roma and then Barcelona, for whom he made 46 appearances in two seasons.

The Blades kick off their Championship campaign with a home match against Swansea City on Saturday.